The Child Study Center (CSC) will host its 5th Annual Puzzle Scuttle 5K and One Mile Family Fun Run on Saturday, Oct. 19 at Frog Alley to raise awareness for children with developmental disabilities.

Lauren Byrd, manager of events at the Center, said the race has grown tremendously since parents of children within the CSC came up with the idea five years ago. She said the behind-the-scenes volunteer work comes from students in the Masters of Accounting (MAc) program.
“[The TCU MAc program students] come out and helped us spread the word through TCU’s campus,” she said. “Any volunteer activity we need on race day – they’re there to help.”

One such MAc member is graduate student and head volunteer Hung Bui. He said the best part about the experience is giving back to the community.

“TCU has done a great job getting involved and helping society,” Bui said. “This year the Masters of Accounting program can show some spirit and involve the community, which I think is really good.”

Bui said that while college is mainly about studying, it also gives students a chance to have fun and volunteer.

Located on West Lancaster Street near downtown Fort Worth, the CSC provides diagnosis and treatment services to children who have, or are at risk for, developmental disabilities. According to the CSC website, the non-profit organization was founded in 1962.

Byrd said the CSC hopes to raise $50,000 this year. All proceeds would go straight to the CSC to fund services it provides. So far, the organization has raised more than $40,000.

While the event focuses on two races, Byrd said there would be several other forms of entertainment, including face painting and balloon artists.

“It will be kind of like a min-carnival with venders and booths set up,” she said. “It will be a very family-friendly oriented event.”

The one-mile run will begin at 8 a.m., and the 5K will start 30 minutes later. Runners can register on the day of the race at 7 a.m.

Byrd said the race begins and ends in Frog Alley. Although awards are given to the top finishers, everyone who completes the one-mile run will receive a ribbon and a complimentary shirt.

Runners who are interested may register on the event website at www.crowdrise.com/PuzzleScuttle2013. TCU students who wish to participate will receive a discount.